LIVE UPDATES: Fiba World Cup Final Phase

Eight teams begin their win-or-go-home campaign in the Fiba World Cup as the knockout final phase unfurls starting September 5 at Mall of Asia Arena.

The teams who advanced to the quarterfinals after 10 days of group-stage games are Italy, United States, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Canada and Slovenia.

Schedule of games: September 10 (battle for third, final)

• Team USA vs. Canada (battle for third), 4:30 pm. Mall of Asia Arena.
• Germany vs Serbia (championship), 8:40 pm. Mall of Asia Arena

Germany wins Fiba World Cup championship for first time in undefeated run

MANILA, Philippines — Have a summer, Germany. Dirk Nowitzki went into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and now his homeland stands atop the men’s international basketball world.

Dennis Schroder scored 28 points, Franz Wagner added 19 and Germany capped off an unbeaten run through the Fiba World Cup by holding off Serbia 83-77 in the final on Sunday night. It was Germany’s first World Cup title; before now, its top showing in the event was a bronze at Indianapolis in 2002.

Germany went 8-0 in the tournament, becoming the fifth consecutive champion to go unbeaten.

Germany wins Fiba World Cup championship

Fiba admits ‘unsuccessful’ ticket pricing for World Cup games in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Fiba Secretary General Andreas Zagklis admitted that there were “some lapses” in the ticket pricing of the World Cup 2023 games in Manila after the crowd attendance in most games was less than the federation expected.

On the final day of the World Cup 2023 on Sunday, Zagkilis said Fiba would review the ticket pricing after the higher-priced seats were most of the time almost empty. Fans mostly went for the cheaper general admission and upper box tickets in games held at Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.

LIVE UPDATES: Germany vs Serbia (FINAL)

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Canada outlasts Team USA, captures first-ever Fiba World Cup medal

MANILA–Canada bagged its first-ever Fiba World Cup podium finish at the expense of undermanned United States 127-118 in overtime in a riveting bronze medal game on Sunday in Manila.

Hot-shooting Dillon Brooks, who will play for the Houston Rockets next NBA season, powered the Canadians with his tournament-high 39 points, hitting seven of eight 3-pointers, along with four rebounds and five assists. It was the most points scored for a player in a medal-winning game in tournament history.

Brooks earned MVP chants from the crowd with his all-time performance, a far cry from the loudest of boos in Canada’s previous games.

FINAL SCORE: Team USA vs Canada (bronze medal match)

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Slovenia sets sights on ‘tough’ Olympic qualification

MANILA, Philippines — After matching its best finish in the Fiba World Cup at seventh place on Saturday, Slovenia is determined to book a ticket to the 2024 Paris Games through the Olympic qualifying tournament next year.

Slovenia duplicated its feat in the 2014 World Cup after surviving Italy, 89-85, behind Luka Doncic’s 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists at Mall of Asia Arena.

Latvia guard Arturs Zagars sets Fiba World Cup record with 17 assists

MANILA, Philippines — Latvia guard Arturs Zagars is honored after setting a new Fiba World Cup record with 17 assists in a 98-63 rout of Lithuania for fifth place on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

His individual feat, however, only comes secondary to what Latvia was able to reach in its maiden World Cup campaign.

Latvia claims fifth place in maiden Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines—Latvia wrapped up its first-ever Fiba World Cup campaign in fifth place.

Guard Arturs Zagars dished out a World Cup record 17 assists with zero turnovers as Latvia cruised past Lithuania, 98-63, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Team USA-Canada battle for bronze piques Luis Scola’s interest

MANILA, Philippines—Germany and Serbia may be playing in the Fiba World Cup gold medal match but the Team USA-Canada battle for bronze is the game that most Filipino fans want to see with both countries not lacking in NBA starpower.

Even Argentina legend and Fiba World Cup ambassador Luis Scola is highly intrigued by the matchup, which tips off Sunday, 4:30 p.m., at Mall of Asia Arena.

Italy’s Luigi Datome retires, gets standing ovation in final game

MANILA, Philippines–Italy’s final game in the Fiba World Cup also served as the curtain call for one of its most renowned players in Luigi Datome.

Datome wrapped up his national team career in defeat, falling short to Luka Doncic and Slovenia, 89-85, in a battle for seventh place on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena, but not before being given a chance to receive a standing ovation.

‘Incredible’ Filipino fans show Luka Doncic, Slovenia love one last time

MANILA, Philippines — Luka Doncic’s final game in the Fiba World Cup 2023 will leave a lasting impact on Filipino basketball fans, most especially the kids.

Doncic is one of the most loved and influential NBA players to visit the country since the memorable tours of the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry.

Luka Doncic’s Fiba World Cup show ends in adoration

MANILA, Philippines—Luka Doncic may not been able to lead Slovenia past the quarterfinal of the Fiba World Cup, but he made one thing clear: Of all the basketball stars playing in the global showcase, he was the brightest of them all.

Doncic’s teammates can attest to it after he led the Slovenians to their best finish in the World Cup on Saturday, matching their result in 2014, following an 89-85 win over Italy in both teams’ finale.

Luka Doncic, Slovenia top Italy for 7th place at Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Luka Doncic ended his summer schedule with a win.

Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks star, finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and Slovenia topped Italy 89-85 on Saturday in the seventh-place game at the Fiba World Cup.

Team USA upset loss ‘good for basketball,’ says Carmelo Anthony

MANILA, Philippines—Carmelo Anthony didn’t mince words when asked about his thoughts on Team USA’s loss to Germany in the Fiba World Cup semifinal on Friday.

Anthony was at courtside when pre-World Cup favorite Team USA bowed out of gold medal contention after a stunning 113-111 setback on Friday night.

Serbia’s unselfish play in Fiba World Cup campaign earns Pau Gasol’s praise

MANILA, Philippines—Serbia has earned the admiration of Fiba ambassador and NBA legend Pau Gasol in their magical trip to the 2023 World Cup Final.

In a talk show organized by Fiba at Sofitel Manila on Saturday, Gasol lauded the Serbians who are playing the gold medal match against Germany at Mall of Asia Arena, tomorrow.

Fiba World Cup just a ‘different brand’ of basketball Team USA is used to

MANILA, Philippines —With every edition of the Basketball World Cup, there’s always this realization: Fiba World Cup is a different brand of basketball.

This time, it was Bobby Portis saying it after Team USA was bundled out of the gold medal race by Germany, 113-111, in the semifinal of the global meet where the Americans have somehow struggled to fully embrace Fiba rules.

Austin Reaves happy for Dennis Schroder’s Fiba World Cup success

MANILA, Philippines — Dennis Schroder haunted his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Austin Reaves after helping Germany make its first-ever Fiba World Cup final through a 113-111 stunner on Team USA on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Reaves and Anthony Edwards powered Team USA’s torrid run in the fourth quarter to try and overcome the undefeated Germans.  

Team USA loss to Lithuania gives Germany a blueprint for the upset

MANILA, Philippines—Germany’s semifinal victory over Team USA was somehow inspired by that one game in the Fiba 2023 World Cup’s second round.

After the Germans’ 113-111 victory over the Americans that carried them into their first final in the global meet, some of the players admitted that seeing the USA lose to Lithuania gave them a huge realization: Team USA is beatable.

Team USA’s Steve Kerr says long-term program of same 10 guys ‘very unrealistic’

MANILA, Philippines–Team USA’s semifinal defeat to Germany in the Fiba World Cup once again raised the question of whether the current setup of relying on talent alone and little preparation time over a long-term program still works.

Coach Steve Kerr, however, seems to feel otherwise even if the Americans have fallen short of winning it all in the last two editions of the World Cup, this time hoping to end their Manila sojourn with a consolation prize.

Germany felt good about its World Cup chances early on, says Franz Wagner

Franz Wagner described Germany’s conquest of the United States in the semifinals of the Fiba World Cup as a validation of what the team had believed even before the two squads met in a pre-tournament friendly in Abu Dhabi.

Germany claimed a 113-111 victory before a stunned crowd at Mall of Asia Arena to arrange an all-European final with Serbia in a result different from the 99-91 loss it absorbed to the Americans before flying into Manila for the competition.

Anthony Edwards says Team USA loss about lacking toughness, not size

Team USA’s size disadvantage has been evident throughout this entire Fiba World Cup. But when the Americans lost to Germany Friday night in a failed bid to advance to the final, Anthony Edwards insisted it wasn’t about their lack of size.

“No [we weren’t lacking size]. It was just toughness. Even myself could have played tougher and got more rebounds so it was on all of us,” said Edwards after the heartbreaking 113-111 loss in the semifinal at at Mall of Asia Arena.

‘Love and trust’ helps fuel Germany’s upset of Team USA

When plain ol’ good basketball wasn’t enough, love and trust helped Germany seal a nailbiting 113-111 victory over the United States in the Fiba World Cup on Friday and clinch a spot in the title duel at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It was dangerous, huh?” Moritz Wagner, who had 10 points and two assists, said in jest of the wringer Germany had to go through in the tense semifinal showdown.

Austin Reaves admits Team USA showing just ‘not good enough’

Austin Reaves admitted Team USA’s showing just was not “good enough” as the Americans failed to catch a trip to the Fiba World Cup final for the second straight edition.

Team USA needed a torrid run in the fourth quarter to try and overcome the undefeated Germans. Reaves and Anthony Edwards responded with a combined 17 points and trimmed the 12-point deficit to keep Germany within two.

Austin Reaves does ‘3 to The Dome’ celebration with Carmelo Anthony watching

Team USA guard Austin Reaves paid tribute to his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Carmelo Anthony, who sat courtside for the United States’ Fiba World Cup semifinal game against Germany on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Reaves hit the iconic “Three to the Dome” celebration after swishing a 3-pointer to tie the game at 29 with 1:19 remaining in the second quarter.

Bogdan Bogdanovic breaks numerous Fiba World Cup records after latest Serbia win

Bogdan Bogdanovic set a number of new records in the Fiba World Cup as he became the player with the most three-pointers made in the competition over the last 30 years.

Bogdanovic led Serbia back to the Fiba World Cup final for the first time in nine years, pouring in 23 points in torching Canada, 95-86, in their knockout semifinals game on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

No gold for Team USA as Germany advances to Fiba World Cup final

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no gold medal for Team USA at this World Cup. And for the second consecutive time in Fiba’s biggest tournament, there might not even be any medal at all for the Americans.

Instead, it’s Germany on the cusp of a world title.

Andreas Obst scored 24 points, Franz Wagner added 22 and Germany shredded the U.S. defense for much of the way in its first win over the Americans — 113-111 in the World Cup semifinals on Friday night.

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WATCH: A stunned Team USA walks back to the locker room after losing to Germany in the #FIBAWC semis. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/hZ7Dvp0cAh

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 8, 2023

FINAL SCORE: Germany secures World Cup final berth after ousting Team USA

LIVE UPDATES: USA vs GERMANY

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Austin Reaves hits the Melo celebration right in front of him 👌#FIBAWC x #WinForUSA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WA0mz4vCDU

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023

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Bogdan Bogdanovic grateful as his parents witness Serbia’s run in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Bogdan Bogdanovic made sure to share the biggest moment of his career so far with his family after leading Serbia back into the Fiba World Cup final after nine years.

After steering Serbia to a 95-86 win over Canada in a tremendous showing to finish with 23 points,  Bogdanovic rushed to the stands of Mall of Asia Arena to share greet his family and and share the player of the game trophy with his mother and father.

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Serbia blitzes past Canada to reach Fiba World Cup final

MANILA, Philippines — No Nikola Jokic, no problem. Even with its best player sitting out this summer, Serbia is going to play for gold at the Fiba World Cup.

Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 23 points and Serbia defeated Canada 95-86 in the World Cup semifinals on Friday. Ognjen Dobric and Nikola Milutinov each scored 16 for Serbia, the best-shooting team so far in the tournament — making 55% of its shots coming into the day, then connecting on 62% to end Canada’s hopes of gold.

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Team USA takes on Germany with long road winding down at Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines— This seemed so far away in the beginning. There was a week of training camp in Las Vegas for USA Basketball to get through, then a week in Spain, then a week in Abu Dhabi, the group stage of the Fiba World Cup, then the second round, then the quarterfinals. They’ve flown 14,000 miles, eaten more than 100 meals away from home, played 11 games, posed for countless photos.

All for this. The medal round at the Basketball World Cup is here.

The U.S. plays Germany on Friday night in the World Cup semifinals, with a berth in Sunday’s gold-medal game awaiting the winner. It’s a rematch of an exhibition from three weeks ago, when the U.S. rallied from 16 points down to win 99-91. Germany hasn’t lost since and is the only team still unbeaten in this tournament.

FINAL SORE: Serbia vs Canada (semifinals)

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Slovenia coach surprised by support from Filipino fans in classification

MANILA, Philippines—Coach Aleksander Sekulic was surprised to see a packed Mall of Asia Arena on back-to-back nights despite Slovenia sustaining two losses in the classification phase of the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

On Thursday, the Slovenians dropped their second straight game after a 100-84 loss to Lithuania and were sent into the classification for seventh and eighth places.

Sekulic, however, was grateful for the fans who came out and supported NBA star Luka Doncic and the Slovenians.

Coach thinks Luka Doncic got energy boost from Filipinos fans

MANILA, Philippines—Slovenia’s head coach Aleksander Sekulic had some positive words for Luka Doncic after the squad’s loss at the hands of Lithuania in the 2023 Fiba World Cup classification stage for fifth to eighth place.

The Slovenians fell to the Lithuanians, 100-84, which means that the highest they can finish is seventh and they would have to beat Italy on Saturday in order to do so.

Despite the outcome, Sekulic lauded the Dallas Mavericks star who finished with 29 points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block in the defeat.

Buoyed by fans back home, Latvia keeps fighting for chance at fifth

MANILA, Philippines—Before Latvia embarked on its maiden Fiba World Cup journey, the players vowed to give their all for their countrymen regardless of the circumstance.

Latvia made sure to keep that promise on Thursday less than 24 hours after bowing out of medal contention following a heartbreaking loss to Germany in the quarterfinal.

“We’re just keeping our promise that we made when we left Latvia, we said we’re gonna fight in every single game no matter what game it is. That was the message we relayed to each other,” said forward Davis Bertans.

Lithuania torches Luka Doncic’s Slovenia to get chance at fifth place

MANILA, Philippines — Jonas Valanciunas dropped a double-double to lead the balanced attack of Lithuania to trounce the Luka Doncic-led Slovenia, 100-84, and advance to the Battle for 5th of the Fiba World Cup 2023 on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6-foot-11 Valanciunas imposed his will inside the paint with 24 points and 12 rebounds for a chance to put the Lithuanians at fifth place when they take on Latvia on Saturday evening.

“We’re playing for the fans, We’re playing for the people, who came here to support us. We’re not gonna give up those two games. Probably, don’t mean too much but we’re fighting for our people, our country,” Valanciunas told reporters.

Fiba World Cup: Latvia bounces back, squeaks past Italy in classification

MANILA, Philippines—It won’t be back-to-back days of heartbreak for Latvia as it moved on to the battle for fifth spot in the 2023 Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

After swallowing a bitter pill following a close loss to Germany on Wednesday, the Latvians rebounded with an 87-82 win over Italy in another nailbiter.

“This is what we want. After yesterday, we want to be fifth and fight to be a top five team in the world. We just kept fighting and it happened,” said forward Rodions Kurucs.

Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony arrive in Manila for Fiba World Cup final phase

MANILA, Philippines — Three days after the arrival of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander–two of the NBA’s brightest young stars–here, legends and Fiba World Cup 2023 global ambassadors Pau Gasol and Carmelo Anthony landed in this basketball-crazy country to witness the final phase of the tournament.

Gasol and Anthony landed in Manila on Thursday afternoon to join fellow ambassador Luis Scola in upcoming activities for the last stretch of the Fiba World Cup.

Luka Doncic shows appreciation for ‘amazing’ Filipino fans

It may have been a tough night for Luka Doncic, but he was nothing but appreciative of the Filipino fans who rallied behind him in his first game in Manila for the Fiba World Cup.

Doncic didn’t get to give the fans the full 40 minutes of action after being ejected from the game with 6:37 left and his team Slovenia eventually getting eliminated by Canada, 100-89, from World Cup contention.

Many fans pulled up at the Mall of Asia Arena donning Doncic’s Mavericks gear.  Even his father Sasa, who was watching his son’s game, got a lot of attention from Filipino fans who took selfies with him.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada ‘not satisfied’ with Fiba World Cup gold in reach

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stays hungry for Canada despite making history with a first-ever semifinal appearance in the Fiba World Cup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star unleashed 31 points on top of 10 rebounds, and four assists as Canada knocked out the Luka Doncic-led Slovenia, 100-89, on Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Gilgeous-Alexander was thrilled to make history for the Canadians, who moved on to the Final Four for the first time in 15 participations.

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Veteran Kelly Olynyk gives Canada’s young core boost in win over Slovenia

Canada may be led by its young stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett but the team also gets a lift from Kelly Olynyk, who provides much-needed leadership and stability.

The Canadians earned their first-ever semifinal appearance on the World Cup stage after eliminating Luka Doncic and Slovenia, 100-89, at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday but not without listening to Olynyk’s pep talk.

“I just told them, we’re here, we’re trying to do something Canada basketball has never done and we gotta do it together,” said the  veteran NBA big man after finishing with seven points, five rebounds and four assists.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wary of ‘dangerous’ Serbia in semis

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pulled off an impressive outing to fuel Canada over Slovenia in the 2023 Fiba World Cup quarterfinals but the squad may need more of that performance to go all the way.

After finishing with game-highs of 31 points and 10 rebounds, the Oklahoma City Thunder star knows the Canadians can’t afford to let up, especially against Serbia in the semifinal.

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Luka Doncic says referees’ calls in Slovenia-Canada game ‘not fair’

Luka Doncic couldn’t hide his frustration after he got ejected with two technical fouls for continuous complaining to the referees as Slovenia bombed out of the Fiba World Cup 2023 title race.

Doncic’s 25-point effort went for naught after receiving his second technical foul and exiting the game with 6:37 left and Slovenia trailing Canada, 92-77.

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Luka Doncic ejected in first game in Manila at Fiba World Cup

Luka Doncic’s first game in Manila came to an abrupt end on Wednesday night.

With Slovenia down big, 92-77, Doncic got ejected with still 6:37 left in the game after picking up his second technical foul for arguing a non-call on a shot attempt against Canada’s Lu Dort.

Doncic finished with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting from the field in close to 30 minutes of action. He had 25 through three quarters.

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Canada eliminates Luka Doncic, Slovenia from Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines–Luka Doncic argued with the referees all night. And that’s why he wasn’t around in the final minutes, as Canada clinched a trip to the Fiba World Cup semifinals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, RJ Barrett added 24 and Canada topped Slovenia 100-89 on Wednesday night. The win sends Canada into a semifinal matchup with Serbia on Friday.

Doncic had 26 points for Slovenia, but was ejected with 6:37 left after picking up his second technical of the game – both of them coming after he argued with referees over calls or non-calls. Slovenia was down by 15 at the time and wound up getting within nine shortly after Doncic departed, but it wasn’t enough.

Final Score: Canada vs Slovenia

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Germany holds off Latvia, faces Team USA next in semifinal

MANILA, Philippines — Germany will play Team USA in the semifinals of the Fiba World Cup, a rematch of an exhibition matchup from earlier this summer where the Americans needed a big rally to win.

Franz Wagner scored 16 points and Germany — the last unbeaten team left in the World Cup — held off Latvia 81-79 in a quarterfinal game on Wednesday, pulling away in the fourth quarter of what had been a back-and-forth matchup for the first 30 minutes.

Next up: The U.S. on Friday for a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game. The U.S. beat Germany 99-91 on Aug. 20 in Abu Dhabi, rallying from a 16-point second-half deficit and needing an 18-0 run down the stretch to take control.

FINAL SCORE: Germany vs Latvia (quarterfinals)

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Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzecco has nothing but love for his players despite exit

MANILA, Philippines—Gianmarco Pozzecco and Niccolo Melli entered the post-game interview with an obvious aura of disappointment after their demoralizing 100-68 loss to Team USA in the 2023 Fiba World Cup quarterfinals at Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

Pozzecco remained calm and collected despite his wards being manhandled by the Americans in the knockout phase. Melli, however, had not been that good at keeping his composure in check.

After his first Fiba World Cup, Kai Sotto sees bright future ahead for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — After making his Fiba World Cup debut, Kai Sotto looks forward to more opportunities to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas, which he believes is “only gonna get better.”

In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday night, Sotto expressed his gratitude to represent the Philippines in its hosting of the global basketball spectacle.

Dominican Republic physiotherapist dies on flight home from Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Dominican Republic physiotherapist Bladimir Regalado died of a heart attack on the way home from the Philippines from the Fiba World Cup, the team has announced.

Regalado’s death came days after the Dominicans wrapped up their campaign in the World Cup held in Manila with all of their games being played at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“With deep sadness, we report the death of Bladimir Regalado, physiotherapist of our National Team, who suffered a heart attack on the flight back from the Philippines, where he accompanied our team in the FIBA World Cup 2023,” the team wrote.

Austin Reaves, confidence unwavering, bounces back in Team USA win

MANILA, Philippines — Austin Reaves made sure to bounce back from his worst game for Team USA.

Reaves, the crowd-favorite guard, once again provided the energy off the bench as Team USA routed Italy, 100-63, to advance to the Fiba World Cup semifinals on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Tyrese Haliburton, Team USA respond big time after first loss in Fiba World Cup

After Team USA experienced its first loss in the Fiba World Cup, the memo was simple according to Tyrese Haliburton: respond the right way.

With just a day in between the loss to Lithuania on Sunday and their knockout quarterfinal match against Italy, the Americans responded big time with a 100-63 rout that sealed their entry into the World Cup semifinals.

“We just wanted to respond the right way. That’s the biggest thing, to come here and respond the right way,” said Haliburton, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, after the victory.

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Mikal Bridges’ aggressiveness pays off with best game for Team USA

Mikal Bridges rose to the occasion with his best game in the Fiba World Cup 2023, dropping 24 points to lead Team USA back to the semifinals.

Bridges shot 4-of-6 from the three-point line and grabbed seven rebounds in 18 minutes of action as Team USA dominated Italy, 100-63, in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“I just stayed aggressive. That’s what it is,” Bridges said. “Honestly, even coming in tonight I was really really locked in on my rebounding that’s kind of my struggles throughout this whole process but what I showed in general, it’s just that force of being aggressive.”

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Paolo Banchero blocks out the noise to help Team USA beat Italy

Paolo Banchero set aside his emotions and kept his focus solely on the game against Italy, a squad where he initially expressed his intention to play before choosing to represent Team USA.

Banchero didn’t seem bothered by the boos from Italian fans, helping Team USA eliminate the Azzurri, 100-63, on Tuesday night and advance to the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

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Mikal Bridges’ huge game for Team USA doesn’t surprise Jalen Brunson

Mikal Bridges had his coming out party for Team USA in their win over Italy that sent them to the 2023 Fiba World Cup semifinals on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Bridges had his best game of the competition so far in terms of scoring, finishing with 24 points and seven rebounds in the squad’s dominant 100-63 victory over the Italians to advance to the World Cup’s semifinals.

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Austin Reaves finally gets putback dunk in Fiba World Cup

With no one boxing him out, Team USA guard Austin Reaves wisely ran toward the rim and soared for a putback dunk off a Tyrese Haliburton miss that got the Mall of Asia crowd on its feet.

Reaves had been waiting for that exact moment ever since the United States’ first game in the Fiba World Cup here.

The follow up dunk finally happened on Tuesday with 44 seconds left in the second quarter of Team USA’s 100-63 romp of Italy in the quarterfinal round.

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Team USA rolls past Italy to reach Fiba World Cup semifinals

MANILA, Philippines — Team USA is headed to the medal round of the Fiba World Cup, bouncing back from its first loss of the tournament in emphatic fashion.

Mikal Bridges scored 14 of his 24 points in the first half, Tyrese Haliburton added 18 and the United States was airtight for long stretches defensively on the way to easily beating Italy 100-63 on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Final Score: Team USA vs Italy

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Serbia beats Lithuania to reach Fiba World Cup semifinals

Serbia became the first team to reach the Fiba World Cup semifinals after beating Lithuania 87-68 as the knockout phase got underway on Tuesday in Manila.

Bogdan Bogdanovic had 21 points for Serbia, which will play either Canada or Slovenia in the semifinals on Friday.

Lithuania went into the game as the tournament’s only unbeaten team after downing the United States in their previous outing.

Final Score: Lithuania vs Serbia

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Fiba World Cup: Where can you watch on free TV?

The Fiba World Cup games will be aired on free TV channels like TV5 and One Sports and cable channel One Sports+ with Cignal TV as Fiba World Cup’s official broadcaster in the Philippines.

Cignal TV is offering a pay-per-view, no commercial access for all Fiba World Cup games for a subscription fee.

The live broadcast of the final phase games will be on One Sports and One Sports+.

For the first time since the competition started, Team USA’s match will be aired on free TV as it tries to get past the quarterfinals against Italy on September 5.

Slovenia coach aware of Luka Doncic’s popularity in Philippines

Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic acknowledged the popularity of his team–due to the presence of NBA superstar Luka Doncic–which they had felt upon arriving in Manila for the final phase of the Fiba World Cup.

Doncic and the Slovenians landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport ahead of Wednesday’s quarterfinal match with Canada amid a lot of fanfare as Filipino fans are starting to find ways to either catch a glimpse of the Dallas Mavericks cager or get a rare chance for a photo or an autograph.

Paolo Banchero shows no love for Italian fans ahead of Team USA-Italy clash

MANILA, Philippines—Team USA forward Paolo Banchero has nothing to offer to his fans in Italy.

Well, he may not have many supporters left on that side of the world anyway after his blunt response when asked if he has a message for his Italian fans on the eve of their Fiba World Cup quarterfinal game with the Azzurri.

Steve Kerr says Team USA needed Lithuania defeat to teach them of ways of Fiba basketball

The word “learning experience” is not something coaches would want to casually toss out in this side of the globe, where basketball fans have been known to deride the term after it had been trotted out a lot during the disappointing campaign by Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup.

But it was what coach Steve Kerr kept harping on Sunday night when Team USA was handed a humbling defeat that could go either of two ways for the Americans, who are expected to be the de facto home team for the rest of the tournament now that the Philippines has played its last game.

Here comes Luka: Doncic arrival boosts Fiba World Cup star power

The biggest name of this year’s Fiba World Cup finally landed in Manila on Monday. And Filipinos are all ready for their dose of “Luka Magic.”

Luka Doncic and Slovenia are expected to light up the final phase of the Fiba World Cup after the dashing Dallas Mavericks star came off a splendid showing in the first two rounds in Okinawa, Japan.

Serbian player Borisa Simanic loses kidney after injury at Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Serbian Basketball Federation announced Monday that forward Borisa Simanic has lost one of his kidneys as the result of an injury sustained during a Fiba World Cup game against South Sudan.

Simanic has been operated on twice in Manila, the team said. Additional complications presented themselves after the first surgery, team doctor Dragan Radovanovic said, requiring the second procedure on Sunday where the kidney was removed.